‘The Great Debaters’ – A Swedish Perspective

Ah! “The Great Debaters,” directed by the legendary Denzel Washington, is both grand and a bit like that old sweater you can’t decide whether to wear or toss. You know the one – comfy, familiar, yet oddly surprising at times.

First off, let’s chat about the acting. With Denzel himself and the indomitable Forest Whitaker, you’re in for a treat. Their performances are magnetic, making you forget your own name for a second. The movie tells the story of a debate team from a Black college in the 1930s, facing a world more unjust than accidentally eating herring without mustard.

The film hit me with memories of debates in Swedish classes, back when everyone was trying hard not to look as bored as they felt. But seriously, there’s something soul-stirring watching these young debaters holding their own, isn’t it? Reminds me of those fika breaks where I tried to win arguments on the merits of lingonberry jam versus raspberry.

I loved the way the movie brings out not just historical issues but also digs into personal struggles. The tension, the prejudice—hard to watch yet captivating. And don’t get me started on the soundtrack, a rich blend of blues that felt like Småland’s forests – deep, vibrant, and occasionally melancholic.

However, it gets a bit preachy at times. Like when my neighbor keeps telling me how I should plant more tulips. You get the point, but chill a bit, eh? Yet the righteousness carries weight, making you ponder long after the credits roll.

If you’re in the mood for something that mixes emotional depth with historical weight – while still kicking with the zest of a freshly baked kanelbulle – “The Great Debaters” is your go-to. Go watch, appreciate, and maybe let it spark a debate or two over coffee.

Check the trailer below